Sarafina!
A Soweto schoolgirl named Sarafina is galvanized to protest apartheid after her teacher is arrested for her activism, leading her to join the student resistance movement.
Critics Sentiment
Sarafina expresses boredom with authorized syllabus to mother
Police fire warning shots and Crocodile falls dead
The film drops sharply from the emotional peak of Sarafina's scene with her mother to the devastating police shooting that kills Crocodile, a swing of 2.7 points reflecting the harsh reality of apartheid violence.
Critics appreciated Sarafina as a well-intentioned adaptation that successfully integrated musical elements with serious political themes, though some found the pacing uneven. The film received praise for its authentic South African cast and Miriam Makeba's performance, while Whoopi Goldberg's role generated mixed reactions. Most reviewers recognized its educational value and emotional power despite some questioning the balance between entertainment and historical drama.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 85
Leleti Khumalo
Sarafina
Whoopi Goldberg
Mary Masembuko
John Kani
School Principal
Miriam Makeba
Angelina
Mary Twala
Sarafina's Grandmother
Dumisani Dlamini
Crocodile
Mbongeni Ngema
Sabela
Tertius Meintjes
Lieutenant Bloem
Robert Whitehead
Interrogator
Greg Latter
Policeman
Nicky Rebelo
Soldier
James Whyle
Soldier
Michelle Bestbier
Mrs. Hendricks
Patrick Ndlovu
Victor Gumede
Somizi Mhlongo
Fire
Sipho Kunene
Guitar
Nhlanhla Ngema
Stimela
Faca Khulu
Eddie
Wendy Mseleku
China
James Mthoba
Sarafina's Uncle
Crew
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